Alabama Real Estate License Reciprocity: Eligibility & Steps

If you’re coming with an active license from another state and wondering if Alabama recognizes that credential, the short answer is yes, under clear conditions. 

In this guide, you’ll see who qualifies, the specific steps (6-hour course, state exam, and certificate), key deadlines (6 months and 90 days), how portability (cooperative) works, and official resources to verify every detail with the Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC).

Who Qualifies for Alabama Reciprocity

Below, we clarify what Alabama means by a qualifying status and what personal conditions you must meet before starting the application.

Active license & good standing (what it means)

Your license must be active and in good standing. This means no current suspensions, no sanctions that prevent you from practicing, and current renewal requirements. You will demonstrate this with a Certificate of Licensure issued by your home state.

Brokers vs. Salespersons (broker experience notes)

You apply for the reciprocal license type that corresponds to your level: reciprocal salesperson or reciprocal broker. For brokers, many Alabama coverages mention “24 out of 36 months” as a benchmark; be prepared to document your experience if requested.

Certificate of Licensure timeline (issued within 120 days)

The Certificate of Licensure must be issued within the previous 120 days and must reflect your status, license type, whether you passed a comprehensive exam, and any disciplinary records.

Steps to Get an Alabama Reciprocal Real Estate License

Follow these following  steps in order and respect the time windows so you don’t restart:

Step 1 — Complete the 6-Hour Alabama License Law Course

Take the 6-hour Alabama license law course (reciprocal). It is a prerequisite for the exam and does not replace continuing education. Choose an AREC-approved provider.

Step 2 — Pass the Alabama State-Law Portion of the Exam

Take the state portion. Quick rule: 70 minutes to pass, 1 hour limit, and you must pass within 6 months of completing the course. If that window expires, you repeat the course before retaking the exam.

Study tip: Practice under a 1-hour timer and review your weak areas on the Alabama license law topic until you achieve a score of 70 or higher.

Lexawise helps you pass the real estate exam with less stress and more focus. It offers clear lessons, exam-style questions, and timed mock exams with detailed explanations. It measures your progress in real time and suggests topics to improve. Study at your own pace, from any device, and arrive on exam day with confidence.

Step 3 — Submit Your Certificate of Licensure + Application

Once you pass, you have 90 days to submit your application to AREC. Attach your Certificate of Licensure (issued ≤120 days ago), identification, and required forms. Check that everything matches your current status to avoid rejection.

Alabama Reciprocity vs. Portability (Cooperative State)

Many confuse reciprocity (getting a license in Alabama using your license from another state) with portability (working in Alabama without a local license). Alabama is a cooperative state: you can engage in transactions only through co-brokerage with an Alabama-qualifying broker.

• There must be a written agreement and a listing/joint listing in Alabama.
• The Alabama broker supervises showings and negotiations.
• The advertisement displays the name of the Alabama qualifying broker.
• The local broker assumes responsibility for the third-party agent’s work within the agreement.

How Alabama Reciprocity Works

Rather than a “closed list,” Alabama uses the qualifying state standard. That’s why you’ll see some blogs refer to “most” or “almost all states.” 

What matters is that your state requires pre-licensing and a full exam, and that you take the 6-hour course, the state portion, and the certificate up to date. If you’re moving to or from Alabama, always confirm with the destination state regulator and Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC).

Timeline & Exam Logistics

Costs vary by provider and license type. Don’t focus only on the exam fee; also, plan for deadlines and documents to avoid expiration.

Typical fees and required documents

• 6-hour Alabama license law course (reciprocal).
• Exam fee for the state-law portion.
• AREC application fee.
• Certificate of Licensure (issued within 120 days).
• Personal ID and AREC forms.
• E&O if required by your broker.

To speed up your review of the state portion, our Alabama Real Estate Exam Prep provides you with a question bank geared toward Alabama license law, practice tests with a timer, and progress tracking.

Deadlines and Scheduling Tips

• 6-month window: Pass the state portion within 6 months of the course.
• 90-day window: Submit the application within 90 days of passing.
• Passing score/time: Minimum 70; 1-hour limit.
• Vendors change: Consult AREC for current logistics.

Broker Reciprocity: Additional Experience & Proof

If you’re looking for a reciprocal broker, be prepared to prove experience and provide clear evidence (licensing history, active/inactive periods, discipline). A common reference in Alabama is “24 out of 36 months” of experience for brokers. Verify your case with AREC and attach complete documentation from your qualifying state.

FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions:

Do I need to retake pre-licensing?

Not for reciprocity. Alabama requires the 6-hour Alabama license law course, passing the state-law portion, and providing a valid Certificate of Licensure (<120 days).

Can you have a real estate license in two states?

Yes. You can maintain licenses in multiple states if you comply with the rules of each jurisdiction. In Alabama, the route is reciprocal (qualifying state + course + exam + certificate).

Is my state on Alabama’s reciprocal list?

Alabama operates with qualifying states rather than a fixed list. Confirm with your home regulator and AREC.

How is portability different from reciprocity?

Reciprocity = obtaining an Alabama license. Portability (cooperative) = working in Alabama, co-brokering with an Alabama qualifying broker without a local license.

Conclusion

If your license comes from a qualifying state, the path to a reciprocal license in Alabama is clear: complete the 6-hour Alabama license law course, pass the state-law exam (70 in 1 hour) within 6 months, and submit your application with the Certificate of Licensure issued within the last 120 days within the 90-day window. 

Remember that reciprocity is different from portability: Alabama is cooperative, so working from outside requires co-brokerage with an Alabama qualifying broker. To avoid setbacks, always check the current details in AREC and Rule 790-X-1-.18 before scheduling or applying.

Visit Lexawise Exam Prep to practice the Alabama Real Estate exam questions with timed quizzes, flashcards, and a study planner to help you pass the exam on the first try.